Patrick said today he's filing a bill that would require compounding pharmacies obtain a special state license, create whistleblower protections for pharmacy workers, hire more inspectors and enforce new fines and penalties for compounding pharmacies that break the rules.

Patrick's bill would also mandate licenses for out-of-state pharmacies that do business in Massachusetts and require compounding pharmacies report to an overhauled 11-member oversight board whenever they come under investigation by other states or the federal government.

“Governor Patrick’s legislation will ensure that Massachusetts compounding pharmacies do not hurt more families, and my legislation cleans up compounding pharmacies in the rest of the country as well,” said Rep. Markey. “These two actions on the state and federal level will serve as a one-two punch against the failings of the compounding industry and protect the health of patients everywhere.”

In November, Markey introduced the Verifying Authority and Legality in Drug (VALID) Compounding Act to the House of Representatives. This would give the Food and Drug Administration clear authority to oversee compounding pharmacy practices throughout the country, said the statement.

Markey is preparing to introduce a new version of the VALID bill in the 113th Congress, according to the statement.